Luxurious and full bodied, penetratingly bitter but well balanced with sweetness. I haven't had many teas that claim to be Bingdao so I'm glad I've got this one as a benchmark.

The link says 2013. I just bought some 2013 Spring Bingdao here in Bangkok from the same seller as the Yixing pots that I'm selling. Fantastic tea from the ancient 500+ year trees. I was surprised how much flavor and aroma there is. 2013 seems to be a very fine year for Bingdao.

The 2013 Xigui and 2013 Bingdao cakes I bought last week are terrific teas with the nod for the #1 spot going to Xigui. Highly recommended for drinkers not familiar with old tree puerh to get a taste of what good puerh is all about.

I got 4 samples from teaurchin, and this late evening I am having the peacock blend. I haven't drank much puerh, but over these past two weeks I've really come to enjoy it and have much to learn since this is outside the realm of Japanese teas.

Here is my list of samples that I ordered just in case anyone has some recommendations or wants to chime in:

Jing Mai 2009Yiwu snake blend 2013Pa Sha 2011Yiwu Peacock Blend 2013

The snake blend turned out to be my favorite, followed by the peacock blend. Ironically I thought the two older puerh's would be my favorite, but that wasn't the case.

You haven't missed much IMO: some nice mint and qi, but no bingdao magic (plus a summer feeling to me). I'll try the Tony&2Dogs' bingdao, your description looks fine even if it shouldn't be the highest grade(?).

You haven't missed much IMO: some nice mint and qi, but no bingdao magic (plus a summer feeling to me). I'll try the Tony&2Dogs' bingdao, your description looks fine even if it shouldn't be the highest grade(?).

I initially wasn't impressed with the mengdai. But this tea needs a little time e and attention. I really doesn't even get going until the 7th or 8th infusion. Then it becomes really enjoyable for the next fifteen or so infusions. Worth checking ou IMHO.

03 Wisteria zi pin this tea can be hit or miss. But its shining this morning. Love the effervescent feeling it gives in the throat.